Family therapy and counseling in Montana

I earned a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling at The University of Great Falls in Montana. Simultaneously, I pursued credentials for a License in Addiction Counseling. Understanding the all-too-common relationship between menal illness, aspects of addiction, and trauma is imperative to helping people in our society. I am also certified in E.M.D.R. Therapy, found to be highly effective treating P.T.S.D. I have applied all of these techniques to various mental health issues and demographic populations.

In Montana, winter presents some of the greatest outdoor activities; hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and splitting firewood. Technically, fire wood is not a recreational activity but there is something spiritual between a man and his chainsaw.

It isn't easy navigating our complex our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, especially in our chaotic world. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses; life transitions; chronic illness; caring for a terminally ill loved one; or other issue affecting your life, I am here to help. My name is Barbara. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Helena. I have spent the last 25 years supporting children, adults, the elderly, couples, and families through therapy, care coordination, and counseling to meet their treatment goals. So, let's get started and contact me for a 15-minute consult or to schedule an appointment.

Are you struggling with anxiety, relationship, or addiction issues? I specialize in all three of those. With my 20 years of experience I can help you get the change and relief you are looking for. Most of my clients start to feel better within a couple of sessions. Therapy can be short or long term and I will work with you on a plan that works best for you and your needs. Some of my other experience includes, depression, mood disorders, couples/family issues, major life changes, grief, divorce, domestic violence, parenting, trauma, and adjustments to adult children.

I enjoy learning about ways we can change and understand our human existence. We are thinking, feeling and doing beings. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides a framework to identify ways to do it differently and better. Trauma treatment modalities like EMDR may support processing neurological and physiological reactions and being able to feel secure and safe while staying connected to others more fully. Our story is just that; we write it and edit it. We get to choose the chapters and path of our lives, through the unknowns, mysteries and celebrations.

Binge Eating Disorder, emotional eating, and food relationship healing is a cause close to my heart both professionally and personally. The adults I work with are cycle breakers but their relationship with food keeps them feeling burnt out when they want to feel self acceptance and open to new experiences.

I'm looking forward to coming alongside and walking with you as your mental health journey unfolds. In 2023 I completed my doctoral training as a psychiatric nurse practitioner at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. I earned my board certification in the fall of that same year. Since then I've had opportunities to work with clients from diverse backgrounds with a wide variety of mental health needs. Whether you're looking for help with ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or sleep issues I'm confident that, working together, we can create positive change in your life.

Are you carrying the weight of trauma and PTSD and hoping to feel safer, more connected, and understood? I specialize in supporting Veterans, first responders, and individuals and couples navigating trauma, PTSD, and the impact these experiences can have on daily life and relationships. With 18 years in a VA PTSD clinic, I bring experience, compassion, and a collaborative approach to helping you move toward healing and a better quality of life.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking long-term support, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and unwavering care.

As a mother of five, I understand the complexities of life, relationships, and emotional resilience. I became a therapist to help others feel less alone and to guide those struggling with mental illness toward hope and healing. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping people reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of self. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and adults across a wide range of challenges — including anxiety, trauma, and depression.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I'm Bridget, glad you're here. I have 11 years of experience working with adolescents and adults through some of the most complicated chapters of life. If you're feeling stuck, not because you aren't trying, but because the strategies you've been using just aren't cutting it anymore, then we should talk.

Having worked in community care settings, the school setting, and in private practice, my strengths are working with teenagers, individuals, adults, families, and couples experiencing challenges in relationships and connection. With 15 years of counseling experience, I offer a depth of compassion, wisdom, and appreciation for the difficulties that we all face in life. I expect my clients to engage in therapy with intent and the expectation that they will gain the skills and strategies to empower themselves to live their best lives.

I’m Zara Hanson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping people reconnect with themselves, heal from the inside out, and show up more fully in their relationships.

My interest in mental health started early, rooted in a curiosity about human behavior and a desire to help others feel less alone in their struggles. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Research Psychology, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Social Work with a focus on both direct therapy and systems-level care. Over the years, I’ve worked across a range of settings—from community mental health to private practice—supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating complex emotional terrain.

My practice focuses on trauma, neurodivergence (including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder), substance use, mood disorders, relationship conflict, and emotional dysregulation. I’m especially drawn to working with clients who want to make sense of their story, process unresolved experiences, and find a more grounded, authentic way of being. I also work with couples to deepen connection, repair trust, and build more effective communication.

Therapy with me is relational, honest, and insight-driven. I aim to meet you exactly where you are, while gently encouraging growth, curiosity, and self-compassion along the way.

You have probably been managing this longer than you let on, to yourself or to the people around you.

I work with people across every stage of life, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors, and I have been doing this work long enough to know that no two people carry things the same way. Whether you are navigating anxiety, processing something painful from your past, managing shifts in mood, or simply trying to figure out who you want to become, I want to help you get there. My goal is to help you find the version of yourself that you actually want to be.

Let's work together and help you find your direction. My counseling style is highly consultative and coaching-like. It is typically non-directive, as I believe each client pilot's their own ship, but when the situation warrants, there is plenty of idea sharing and strategizing as well.

I have been practicing for 21 years and work with clients of all ages and various backgrounds. I believe that with a strong therapeutic alliance, we can mutually come together and help you find a path forward that suits you.